Williamsport High student attends history conference

August 17, 2009

Chelsey Baturin of Williamsport High School attended the 2009 Congressional Academy, which is coordinated by the Ashbrook Center for Public Affairs at Ashland (Ohio) University, and funded by the U.S. Department of Education.

The Congressional Academy for American History and Civics led high school juniors in a study of the turning points in American history memorialized by the Declaration of Independence, the Gettysburg Address and the "I Have a Dream" speech.

Two students from each state were selected to participate.

The professors conducting the academy are among the finest scholars of American history and government.

Participating students spent two weeks in Washington, D.C., with day trips to Philadelphia and Gettysburg, Pa., studying the American Revolution and founding, the Civil War and the civil rights movement.

Participants were exposed to the ideas and arguments that shaped these three American epochs, the documents that make up the nation's history and the places where the history was made.

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During their stay, students were surrounded by the streets and halls, the battlefields, public places and private lodgings where the history studied took place.

Beginning with three documents, studying in three cities, the academy aims to understand three great turning points in American history. Participating students saw how these key events, infused with fundamental ideas, shaped and continue to shape our national identity, public institutions and public discourse.

Participants joined in a conversation about the most important issues facing America in 1776, 1863, 1963 and today.

A total of 578 applications were received for the academy. For more information about the Congressional Academy, go to www.CongressionalAcademy.org.